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Haren impressed by Justin Upton's hot start

Dan Haren's numbers were down in 2012, as the righty fell homer-prone, but the newly-minted National should benefit from a switch to the NL

By Bill Ladson
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MLB.com |

WASHINGTON -- Nationals right-hander Dan Haren played with Braves outfielder Justin Upton for three years when they were with the D-Backs from 2008-10.

Upton is off to a great start, going 12-for-34 [.353] with a National League-leading six home runs. Haren said Upton looks like he is on a mission to prove that he is one of the best players in baseball.

"Everyone agrees that the talent has always been there," Haren said. "He had times where he has put it all together, making an All-Star team. He has never put it together for that long. Right now, he is in one of those streaks where he is tough to get out. I think he is a little inspired, trying to show the Diamondbacks how good he can be and obviously play hard for his new team."

The Braves acquired Upton from Arizona for five players, including Martin Prado, during the offseason.